Supermarket Shopping Skills

Question: What compels you to shop in one store instead of another? Is it the store’s layout, cleanliness, appearance, convenience, services, prices, or something else?

Before You Shop Planning & organization are the key Make a list – group items according to the floor plan of your store Keep a running list on your refrigerator – add to it as you run out Build your list around planned meals

Coupons Places to look for coupons:  Back of product containers  Internet  Local newspapers  Magazines

Organize Your Coupons Manufacturers distribute approximately 256 billion coupons per year. Of those 256 billion, 4.5 billion are redeemed, saving consumers $3.6 billion. Organize coupons in an index file. Place in categories – alphabetize Use common sense when using a coupon 81% of consumers use coupons on a regular basis

Grocery Store Circulars Usually distributed in newspapers and in the front of grocery stores Loss Leaders – printed on either the front or back page of circular  Stores advertise certain products at a loss to lure shoppers in for other items  Example of Local circularLocal circular

Preferred Shopping Card Free Need to have to get discount Placed on mailing list for store Gives store the ability to track purchases & share information with other retailers

Choose your time…. Avoid peak shopping times:  Saturdays  Sundays  Holidays  Day before a long weekend or major holiday  Before a major storm  Day after a major disaster (tornado, earthquake, flood)  Afternoons between 4 and 7 pm

Make sure you’re fed! Studies show that shopper’s who go to the store hungry are likely to buy more than they planned. After all, everything looks good when your stomach is screaming “feed me”! You are more apt to stick to your list if you eat before you head out to the store.

Best times to shop… Shop early in the day Try to shop once a week Limit quick trips to pick up a few items Make your time at the store as productive as possible: Shop alone!

Chain Supermarket Superstore Regional or national stores that offer other conveniences such as coffee shop, pharmacy, liquor store, bank, etc. Ex.: Giant Eagle, Shop & Save Hybrid stores that combine grocery, hardware, clothing, electronics, garden & many other offerings. May offer deeper discounts due to larger purchasing power. Ex.: Walmart, Target Choosing a Store

Specialty Store Convenience Store Offers gourmet, imported, ethnic or unusual items not available in larger chain stores. Cater to specific market niche – can be pricey. Ex.: Dozens (Pgh.), Enchanted Olive, etc. Limited selection of items – smaller store size – caters to shoppers who need just a few items and want out fast. Pay for this convenience with higher prices; usually attached to a gas station. Ex.: Sheetz, 7 Eleven Choosing a Store

Warehouse Store Online Supermarket Very large – no frills – bag yourself – products packaged in large bulk at discount prices. Pay a membership fee to belong. Ex.: Costco, Sam’s Club Convenience makes up for limited selection and the added cost of shipping. May help limit impulse buys. Ex.: Walmart Online, Schwan Choosing a Store

Farmer’s Market Food Co-op Place where farmers bring produce and other farm-produced items to sell. Reduced prices on produce in season. A group of people who form an association to buy or grow foods in bulk, then sell and distribute goods among its members Choosing a Store

Community Supported Agriculture A CSA is a popular way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Farmer’s offer a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Arrangement creates rewards for both farmer & consumer.

Decide which store is for you. Visit different types of stores to compare:  Price  Selection  Quality  Customer service  Store environment Consider what is important to you.

What to bring? A set budget Shopping list Coupons

Navigating the Aisles Shop the perimeters – That’s where you’ll usually find the basic necessities. The Bakery is usually at the front of the store with it’s wonderful aroma luring you in. Free samples urge you to buy. Deli products can be high in sodium, nitrates and additives – try to avoid too many. Unit pricing is presented on the shelf in front of the product. Gives the cost per ounce, pound or unit of measure – makes it easier to compare the price of a different brand that might be larger.

Shopping Savvy… Paper products and cleaning supplies tend to cost more in supermarkets – may want to buy at a lower price discount store. Don’t include the cost of non-food items in your food budget. End Caps and Island Displays don’t necessarily mean an item is on sale. They are placed there to draw your attention and are usually higher priced items.

Buyer Beware! Generic products are often manufactured in the same place as higher priced products – same product, less fancy presentation. Companies pay for shelf placement, especially at eye level. Don’t forget to check the upper and lower shelves – many of the best deals are hidden there.

Checking out Watch for Impulse purchases. These are purchases made that aren’t necessarily planned. Many impulse buys are made at the check out where small items, candy, magazines, etc. may be found. Watch scanner as you check out to make sure proper price is being charged. Review receipt when you get home